Action for Biodiversity
Meeting the cost
A funding strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan
Action for Biodiversity
Meeting the cost
A funding strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan
Text © London Biodiversity Partnership
July 2003
Photographs
© Individual photographers listed on page 44
This document is printed on recycled paper
Enquiries relating to this document:
GLA Biodiversity Group
Greater London Authority
City Hall
The Queen’s Walk
London SE1 2AA
Tel 020 7983 4329
www.london.gov.uk
London Biodiversity Partnership, Project Officer
c/o London Wildlife Trust
Harling House
47-51 Great Suffolk Street
London SE1 0BS
Tel 020 7261 0447
enquiries@lbp.org.uk
www.lbp.org.uk
copyright
Abstract
The document begins by introducing the London Biodiversity Action Plan in the
context of national, regional and local biodiversity planning. It describes the process
of developing a Biodiversity Action Plan for the capital and highlights the emphasis
which is placed upon promoting opportunities for Londoners to enjoy contact with
the natural world. It sets out the vision of the London Biodiversity Partnership for
conserving nature in London and explains how the Partnership is organised to
deliver a dynamic and coordinated programme of action. The report then examines
the scope of this funding strategy and its relationship with the Partnership’s
Business Plan: the present document aims to reach out to a range of funding
bodies, seeking support for a wide variety of habitat and species action plans,
whereas the Business Plan focuses on developing a long term direction for the
partnership and securing core funding for staff and administration. Part One
concludes with a discussion of future funding needs, priorities for funding, and
arrangements for handling income.
Part Two provides further detail of the individual habitat and species action plans
which are actively seeking financial support. Two large spreadsheets in the
appendix provide a summary of all these projects.
It is hoped that the document will be of interest to fund managers and potential
sponsors, and that the format enables easy access to the most important
information. Your comments and queries are welcome.
Jan Hewlett July 2003
Acknowledgements
The support and guidance of the London Biodiversity Partnership’s Funding
Strategy Group in the production of this report is gratefully acknowledged. The
Partnership would also like to thank the many photographers who have supplied
pictures free of charge. Their names are listed on page 44.
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan i
Message from the Chair of the Partnership
The London Biodiversity Partnership has achieved remarkable progress since its
launch seven years ago. Action for nature conservation in the capital is now
reaching out into a whole variety of new areas. Many of the projects bring people
closer to wildlife, such as the heron watching days in the parks and the house
sparrow survey in 2002. London’s conservationists are in active dialogue with the
business community on a wide variety of topics, including work with developers on
high-rise office blocks to investigate how rooftops can be designed to provide
nesting habitat for the black redstart and other birds. There is also a huge range of
potential projects to improve management and accessibility of London’s wildlife
habitats. These include our ancient woodlands, flower-rich chalk grasslands of the
North Downs, as well as London’s canals, which penetrate into some of the most
forgotten corners of the capital.
However, the extent to which good ideas can be turned into practical action
depends crucially on resources. The Partnership is now actively seeking support for
its work across London. This document sets out the targets in the Key Action Plans
for which funding is urgently needed. It sits alongside the Partnership’s Business
Plan, which deals with the core activities of the Partnership.
I welcome this Funding Strategy and would urge you to give it your full support.
Professor David Goode, Chair London Biodiversity Partnership
Some views from the younger generation —
children at one of London’s Wildlife Watch clubs
“Why we should look after London’s wildlife?
“It makes you feel good if you are
helping wildlife.”
“We should look after wild
creatures because they are the
same as us.”
“If we had no plants and animals
we would be quite alone with
nothing to talk to, nothing to feed.”
“If you don't look after wildlife
there's nothing left. I like to have
nice soil and plants to get
ladybirds and other animals.”
“It makes you feel happy. It is
incredible to see foxes.”
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan ii
Contents
PART ONE
Introduction
What is the London Biodiversity Action?………………………………...… 1
The Biodiversity planning process.………………………….………….….. 1
Developing a Biodiversity Action Plan for London…………….………….. 2
Selecting priority habitats and species for action……….…….………….. 3
The London Biodiversity Partnership……………………………….………….. 5
Organisation and structure……………….…………………………….…… 5
Who is involved, who will benefit? ……………………………………..….. 7
The Mayor’s Biodiversity Strategy and London Biodiversity Action Plan.. 7
Meeting the costs…………………………………………………………..….…… 8
Scope of the Funding Strategy.……………………………………….….… 8
Contributions in kind and funding through management agreements..… 9
Prioritising projects for funding.………….…………………………………. 9
Financial arrangements ………………….…………………………………. 9
London Biological Recording Centre………………………………………. 9
PART TWO
Habitat Action Plans
Parks, Amenity Grassland and City Squares.……………….………….… 12
Churchyards and Cemeteries……………………………………………..... 14
Gardens……………………………………………………………………….. 16
Woodland……………………………………………………………………… 18
Acid Grassland……………………………………………………………….. 20
Heathland………………………………………………………………….….. 22
Tidal Thames ………………………………………………………………… 24
Canals ………………………………………………………………………… 26
Wastelands …………………………………………………………………… 28
Species Action Plans
Grey Heron……………………………………………………………………. 30
Peregrine………………………………………………………………………. 31
Reptiles………………………………………………………………………… 32
Water Vole…………………………………………………………………….. 33
Bats…………………………………………………………………………….. 34
Sand Martin…………………………………………………………………… 36
House Sparrow……………………………………………………………….. 37
Black Redstart………………………………………………………………… 38
Tower Mustard……………………………………………………………….. 39
Black Poplar………………………………………………………………….. 40
Mistletoe………………………………………………………………………. 42
Stag Beetle…………………….……………………………………………… 43
Abbreviations used in this report………………………………………………... 44
Photo credits ………………………………………………………………...……… 44
Appendix ……..……………………………………………………………………… 45
TABLES SUMMARISING FINANCIAL NEEDS …...…………………….……… 49
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan iii
Part One
Introduction
‘Human society’s interaction with biodiversity shows whether
our economic and social development is sustainable’
(Sustaining the Variety of Life - Five years of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan 2001)
What is the London Biodiversity Action Plan?
London Biodiversity Action Plan (London BAP) is an ambitious programme of
practical action to conserve nature in London. It is part of a programme of
conservation action which extends across the whole of the UK, and indeed
internationally, to protect important wildlife habitats and curtail the loss of species of
wild plants and animals. The programme stems from the UK Government’s
endorsement of the Convention on Biological Diversity at the Earth Summit in Rio
de Janeiro in 1992, a commitment which was renewed at the World Summit on
Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002. However, one of the most
distinctive features of the London BAP is the importance it places on the value of
wildlife for Londoners.
The biodiversity planning process
Biodiversity planning in the UK works at several levels, each inter-linked with the
others. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan identifies the most vulnerable or threatened
habitats and species, and those for which this country has a special responsibility,
as priorities for action at a national level. But the national working group recognised
from an early stage that to conserve the whole spectrum of the country’s natural
heritage would require much wider action. It would need the commitment of people
and organisations throughout the country to work together, taking stock of the
characteristic natural habitats and wild plants and animals of their own localities, to
bring about action at a local level.
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 1
The London BAP takes this approach forward at a regional level. It seeks to protect
nationally scarce habitats and priority species where these survive within the capital
and it also identifies habitats and species that are declining or vulnerable on a
regional scale. However, at the heart of the programme is the aim to enhance the
enjoyment of nature by Londoners. As well as rarities, the action plan therefore
features some quite widespread habitats and species, especially those that are
characteristic of London, which provide good opportunities for people to experience
‘hands on’ contact with the natural world. Enabling access to nature is seen as a
vital contribution to the health and quality of life of Londoners and a key issue in
sustainable development.
Many of the London boroughs are also undertaking Local Biodiversity Action Plans
for their own localities. These can respond to the characteristic habitats and species
of particular districts, such as the chalk downland in south London, the ancient
oak/hornbeam woodland in north London, the old docks in east London and garden
squares in the city centre. They have the important benefit of contact with local
communities, in touch with local aspirations and concerns.
Several major companies in London have embarked upon biodiversity action plans
for their own land-holdings and begun to introduce biodiversity into corporate policy.
Heathland is a priority habitat in the UK BAP,
which occurs in just a few places in London,
for example, Wimbledon Common and
Hounslow Heath. This action plan will
improve the management of our remaining
heathland and restore some former
heathland sites.
The black redstart has been associated with
London since it colonised bombsites after
the Second World War. It now occurs mainly
on industrial sites. This action plan has
inspired developers to incorporate wildlife
habitat in urban regeneration.
Developing a Biodiversity Action Plan for London
The London BAP is a carefully thought out mix of projects to protect and enhance
the capital’s wildlife and natural habitats and to improve opportunities for Londoners
to enjoy the natural world. Developing the Action Plan involved three stages: ¯
  Auditing of habitats and species, to guide the selection of priorities for action
  Setting up working groups to establish objectives and targets for each habitat
and species action plan, including consultation with a wide range of partners
  Implementation and monitoring of the actions
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 2
So far, 10 Habitat Action Plans and 12 Species Action Plans have been published
and are now in the process of implementation. There is also a suite of wider
‘generic actions’ and a series of brief ‘statements’ on priority habitats and species
for which key issues are identified but action is not anticipated in the immediate
future. Full details of all the action plans can be found in the London Biodiversity
Action Plan, Volume 2, 2002 and on the London Biodiversity Partnership’s website
(www.lbp.org.uk). As current projects get underway, others will be added to
address the requirements for further habitats and species.
Published action plans in the London Biodiversity Action Plan
Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) Species Action Plans (SAPs)
Woodland Bats
Chalk grassland Water vole
Heathland Grey heron
Wasteland Peregrine
Acid grassland Sand martin
Tidal Thames Black redstart
Canals House sparrow
Churchyards and cemeteries Stag beetle
Private gardens Tower mustard
Parks, squares and amenity grassland Mistletoe
Reptiles
Black poplar
Statements
House martin
Humble bumble
London’s exotic flora
Selecting priority habitats and species for action
Habitats
The selection of priority habitats for action includes the following issues (in no rank
order). Many of the selected habitats meet several of these criteria, although few
would score highly under all five.
  Provides a good opportunity for Londoners to enjoy contact with nature (e.g.
Parks, Amenity Grassland and City Squares; Churchyards and Cemeteries)
  Example of a UK priority habitat within London (e.g. Heathland and Acid
Grassland)
  Supports a diversity of flora and fauna, including uncommon species (e.g.
Woodland)
  Exists under some degree of threat in London (e.g. Heathland)
  Presents opportunities for habitat restoration and enhancement (e.g. Chalk
Grassland)
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 3
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 4
Species
For species, the selection tends to be a little more complex; not least there is a
much larger number of potential candidates. However, the best way to conserve
most species that were identified as priorities in the audit is through the protection
and management of their main habitats. Hence Species Action Plans have been
prepared largely for species whose main habitats are not already the subject of
Habitat Action Plans. The following criteria were used – again in no rank order.
§ Culturally valued and appealing, offering an opportunity to raise awareness
for biodiversity (e.g. grey heron, mistletoe)
§ Characteristic of London (e.g. black redstart)
§ Priority species in the UK BAP with a significant population within London
(e.g. tower mustard, black poplar, bats, water vole and stag beetle)
§ Substantial decline in recent years (e.g. house sparrow)
§ Restricted distribution in London (e.g. native black poplar)
§ Easy to monitor (e.g. sand martin)
.
House sparrows have declined sharply in the
UK over the past 10 years, and notably in
London. This Action Plan invited Londoners
to contribute to a survey to help understand
the problem.
The water vole is an UK priority species,
which survives along a few watercourses
within London. It has strong cultural links
and considerable public appeal.
Churchyards and cemeteries offer islands of
calm with the urban environment. This action
plan encourages their characteristic
communities of birds, ferns and lichens and
seeks to help Londoners enjoy these special
places.
Chalk grassland once occurred as extensive
flower-rich downland. The remaining
fragments are often threatened by invading
scrub. This action plan will open up access
and bring back wildflowers like these
pyramidal orchids.
The London Biodiversity Partnership
Organisation & structure
The London Biodiversity Partnership was set up in 1996 to develop a Biodiversity
Action Plan for the capital, and it is this body that is now responsible for overseeing
its ongoing development and implementation. The overall aim of the Partnership is:
‘to conserve and enhance the capital’s wildlife and natural places for future
generations to benefit from and enjoy ‘
Its full Mission Statement is shown overleaf. The organisation brings together
representatives from a wide range of organisations, including statutory agencies,
regional and local government, business and the voluntary sector. Thus it is able to
draw on a wide range of experience and expertise, working together in a way that
was not possible before. The working relationship between the partners is currently
formalised in a Memorandum of Understanding, which has now been signed by
more than 30 partners (see appendix). The Partnership is currently in the process
of developing a Business Plan, which identifies its future direction and development
over the next few years. This document recommends that in the longer term the
organisation should seek to become established as a Not-for-Profit Company
Limited by Guarantee.
THE MAIN PARTNERS IN THE LONDON BIODIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP
Greater London Authority London Boroughs London Boroughs Biodiversity Partnership
BTCV British Waterways Association of London Government
English Nature Environment Agency Community Initiatives Partnership
London Wildlife Trust London Underground Ltd London Natural History Society
Royal Parks Agency Thames Estuary Partnership Thames Water Utilities Ltd
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Peabody Trust Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
London First
The programme is overseen by a Project Board. Linked to this, a series of working
groups has been set up to develop particular aspects of the work. These include
Habitats Data and Species, which monitors the output of the Action Plans and
identifies future priorities; Communications; and a Management Working Group.
There is a separate working group for each of the Habitat and Species Action
Plans, made up of representatives of the partner organisations. The Partnership as
a whole is currently chaired by a representative of the Mayor. At present, a Project
Officer co-ordinates the work programme of the whole Partnership, and liaises with
the Local Biodiversity Action Plans in individual boroughs. This post is currently
funded by the Esmeé Fairbairn Foundation and hosted by the London Wildlife
Trust.
The Partnership is committed to Equality of Opportunities in all areas of its work. It
seeks to ensure that any public events attract people from all sectors of the
community and do not discriminate against members of minority groups.
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 5
The mission of the London Biodiversity Partnership is to promote
the various Biodiversity Action Plans that exist in London, assist
the delivery of national biodiversity action and help implement local
biodiversity action. The work will include the following:
  Act as a link between the London Biodiversity Action Plans and
the National Biodiversity Action Plan
  Implement the London Biodiversity Action Plan
  Provide guidance to business, borough and other
organisations’ Biodiversity Action Plans to avoid duplication of
effort and to maximise efficiency in the maintenance of
biodiversity.
  Facilitate securing project funding to deliver biodiversity action.
  Maintain and publish an audit of London’s priority species and
habitats.
  Help to identify and if necessary develop new London Habitat
and Species Action Plans.
  Communication to promote biodiversity to Londoners
  Recruit new organisations to the Partnership
  Serve as a focus for interaction with Biodiversity Action Plans
in other capital cities particularly in Europe.
London Biodiversity Partnership
Mission Statement
London Biodiversity Action Plan works to involve all ethnic communities in enjoyment
of London’s greenspace and access to nature.
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 6
Who is involved? Who will benefit?
At any given time it is likely that around 200 people are actively contributing to the
work of the Partnership through participation in its various working groups. Many
individual projects also involve teams of volunteers.
Most of the action plans include projects that reach out to the public. There are
many innovative ideas for public interpretation, offering Londoners a range of
experiences which would otherwise be beyond their reach. For example, over 1,000
people were able to enjoy the dramatic spectacle of Grey Herons caring for young
in their nests as part of the Grey Heron Action Plan in the spring of 2002-3. Over
9,000 people contributed to a survey of House Sparrows in London in the summer
of 2002, which is helping to build up a picture of the ecology of this popular little bird
in the capital. Many thousands of people should benefit from enhanced enjoyment
of London’s wildlife and greenspaces as a result of the London BAP. Better habitat
management should increase the opportunities for Londoners to enjoy wild flowers
and improved accessibility and interpretation should encourage a wider crosssection
of the community to take advantage of London’s natural green spaces.
Watching grey herons at their nests,
Battersea Park 2002
The Mayor‘s Biodiversity Strategy & London Biodiversity Action
Plan
Some clarification of the relationship between the London BAP and the Mayor of
London’s Biodiversity Strategy may be helpful at this stage. The Mayor’s
Biodiversity Strategy, ‘Connecting with London’s Nature’ (published in 2002) is a
statutory document, required by the GLA Act 1999. It sets out the Mayor’s priorities
for biodiversity in the capital and guides the work of the GLA in this field. The
London BAP is a vital mechanism for delivering many of the policies in the Mayor’s
strategy.
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 7
The Mayor leads several of the action plans in the London BAP on behalf of the
Partnership; these include House Sparrow, Woodland, Churchyards and
Cemeteries, and Parks, Amenity Grassland and City Squares. Many of the other
policies and proposals in the Mayor’s Strategy will contribute to targets in the
London BAP. Of particular note are the proposals for the identification of Sites of
Importance for Nature Conservation, which include some 19% of the London area
and which will be protected by policies in the draft London Plan. These sites include
most of the priority wildlife habitat in London. There are also policies and proposals
promoting good practice in habitat management and improved accessibility to
London’s greenspace.
Meeting the Costs
Scope of the Funding Strategy
This strategy focuses on the requirements of the London BAP’s Habitat and
Species Action Plans. It is not concerned with the core costs of maintaining the
Partnership, such as staff costs, which are being progressed through the Business
Plan. The present document thus sits alongside the Business Plan, complementing
it through reaching out to a range of funding bodies, and seeking support for the
wider programme of conservation action, beyond the central administration costs.
Part Two of this document gives information on each of the Habitat and Species
Action Plans which are now in need of funding. The tables highlighted in green give
details of projects for which we are seeking funding; the other tables provide
background information, including a summary of work which is being undertaken
through existing work programmes plus those for which funding has already been
committed. Note that this section does not include details of action plans which can
be completed entirely through existing work programmes (perhaps with some input
from volunteers), or those which are fully resourced at present; for example, the
Chalk Grassland Habitat Action Plan is currently carrying out work under a £50,000
grant for the ‘Chalking up’ project from the Heritage Lottery Fund and a larger scale
bid for the Surrey Downlands is also in preparation. It should be emphasised that at
this stage the costs are approximate only. Actual costs will depend upon many
variables, including the choice of contractor or consultant, timing of work, inflation,
and other unforeseen factors. Projects will be worked up in greater detail nearer to
the time for submitting applications.
Two large spreadsheets in the appendix provide an overview of all the projects
which are now in need of funding. In these tables, the actions are set out against
the type of targets they are expected to meet, together with anticipated funding
required. It is hoped that they will provide a short cut for funding agencies in
identifying projects that may be suitable candidates for various funding streams.
Note also that the summary of actions given in this report reflects ongoing actions
or actions at the present time. In a few cases some of the detailed actions have
been revised a little since publication of the original action plans in Volume Two of
the London BAP. This reflects both responses to changing circumstances, taking
advantage of new opportunities, and natural progression from one project to
another. The London Biodiversity Partnership undertakes a formal review of the
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 8
targets in each action plan every three years and any substantive changes are
subject to a consensus of support from partners at this stage.
Contributions in kind and funding through management agreements
It will be appreciated that additional to projects which are supported by external
funding, much of the work will continue, as in the past, as part of the ongoing work
programmes of partner organisations, together with input from volunteers. There
will also be opportunities for support through management agreements, such as
Countryside Stewardship in some areas, and perhaps planning agreements.
Prioritising projects for funding
The Partnership plans to make contact with a range of funding bodies, and it is
hoped that, by approaching a diversity of agencies, competition for resources
between its different groups will be kept to a minimum. To a large extent, the
targets in individual action plans are likely to match up with the strategic objectives
of different funding agencies or different programmes within individual agencies.
We will aim to avoid a multiplicity of large bids to any one funding programme at the
same time. In some cases actions from a number of action plans may be combined
into one bid. However, at present the responsibility for preparing bids rests primarily
with the lead for each action plan, in consultation with the members of their groups,
the Partnership’s project officer and appropriate working groups of the wider
Partnership. Inevitably perhaps, this may lead to some tensions and we will
welcome dialogue with grants officers on handling the issue. Arrangements will be
kept under review in the light of discussion with funding bodies and the future
development of the Partnership.
Financial arrangements
At present, when funds are required for particular projects, these are held by one of
the partners on behalf of the Partnership. This partner makes the grant application
and takes responsibility for ensuring that the funding agency’s reporting needs are
met. The procedure will be reviewed if the Partnership gains legal Company status.
London Biological Recording Centre
In parallel with this Funding Strategy, the London Biodiversity Partnership’s
Biodiversity Records Centre Development Plan Working Group is developing a
proposal for a London Biodiversity Records Centre. This will eventually provide a
centre holding computerised information on sites, habitats and species on a
London-wide scale, linked to the National Biodiversity Network. A pilot scheme is
currently underway, operating as the London Wildlife Trust’s Biological Recording
Project. The future Centre should become an enormously valuable tool for
conservation action, bringing together in one place maps and biological records,
which are currently scattered between a range of different bodies and indeed many
individual naturalists. A development plan for the Centre is currently out for
consultation; this looks at a range of options, which could operate within a range of
budgetary limits. It is envisaged that much of the future revenue cost will be
supported through a service level agreement. However, depending upon how the
Centre is to be managed in the longer term, it is possible that some elements of the
project may be incorporated in future editions of this strategy. Equally, some of the
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 9
figures in the present document may require minor adjustment to incorporate future
costs of data management and interpretation by the Records Centre.
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 10
Part two
Habitat Action Plans
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 11
Parks, Amenity Grassland and City Squares
Parks and city squares are important to
city dwellers in providing opportunities
for outdoor recreation and access to
green landscapes close to home.
Alongside their value for recreation, play
and social and cultural activities, they
offer opportunities for contact with the
natural world. As habitat for birds, such
as song thrush, blackbird and robin, and
other wildlife, they help to sustain the
capital’s biodiversity.
However, the quality of London’s parks
and squares varies greatly. London has
some of the finest parks in the world,
and many of these are also rich in
wildlife. At the other end of the spectrum,
the pressures of cost-cutting, plus
vandalism and security problems, have
led to some parks offering little but a few
trees and grass with minimal wildlife.
This action plan aims to promote best practice for biodiversity and sustainability in
London’s parks and squares, alongside their wider functions, and to look for
opportunities to enhance the wildlife interest especially in areas of need. A London
Parks and Greenspaces Forum was established in 2002, which addresses a wide
range of open space issues in London. Many of the actions in this action plan will
be delivered through that Forum. The work will be approached initially through
sharing of experience and training programmes to build up a picture of what works
best in today’s urban environment. The apparent conflict between people’s feelings
of security and the desirability of more naturalistic landscapes will be explored, to
provide guidelines for management.
The Action Plan also encompasses garden squares. A characteristic feature of
many of the inner boroughs, these provide oases of greenery within densely built up
areas. Though cherished by local communities, their contribution to London’s
biodiversity is not widely appreciated. A systematic wildlife survey is proposed,
leading to good practice guidelines for promoting wildlife within the context of a
largely formal historic garden design. This work may also offer lessons for green
space design in new housing developments.
  Actions being implemented mainly through existing work programmes
Action Start date/
expected start
Establish working group of Parks Habitat Action Plan linked to the
London Parks and Greenspaces Forum
2002
Establish links with award schemes such as Green Flag 2003
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 12
  Actions being implemented partly through ongoing work
programmes for which funding or part-funding has been agreed
Action Start
date
Major in
kind
contributions
e.g. staff
time
Funds
agreed
Establish a series of seminars as part of the
London Parks and Greenspaces Forum, on
biodiversity and sustainable management
2003 GLA £1,000
p.a.
(GLA)
Preliminary literature study plus possible pilot
visitor survey on security in relation to
landscaping (MSc)
2003 GLA/UCL Expenses
for student
(GLA)
Organise a conference on managing parks and
greenspaces for wildlife and people
2004 GLA £5,000
possible
from GLA;
£7,000 still
needed
  Actions requiring external funding
Action Projected
start date
External
funding
required
Undertake an audit of London parks and greenspace
managers to identify recent biodiversity initiatives,
lessons to be learned from existing projects, what works
best locally, and parks with potential for improvement,
plus capital and revenue costs of enhancements. The
study will inform future priorities for this action plan, help
to identify the best approach to achieving improvements
and thereby guide future funding needs.
2003 £10, 000
If appropriate commission ‘welcome survey’ to extend
student project (listed above) by in-depth study.
2004 £25, 000
Commission study of wildlife in London’s garden
squares; develop a best practice guide for garden
square management and guidelines for future gardens.
2004 £18, 000
Facilitate training and exchange of information on
contracts, through website news board or e-mail group.
2003 £1, 000
Develop handbook of management guidance for
sustainability and biodiversity in parks management,
featuring local case studies.
2006 £15, 000
n.b. The Parks HAP group are also investigating possibilities for a wider programme
of funding to encourage biodiversity enhancements in parks and greenspaces. This
concept will be developed further following the parks management audit, taking
account of other current funding initiatives for London’s parks.
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 13
Churchyards and Cemeteries
Churchyards and cemeteries and are
special places to a great many people
who visit the graves of their loved
ones and this Action Plan aims to
respect totally the primary function of
the ‘habitat’. They may also be special
to people with no such emotional ties;
valued as peaceful, natural oases with
fascinating records of local social
history. As a teaching resource, the
geology of gravestones is of interest,
as well as the inscriptions and
symbolic carvings.
The multiple values of this habitat are
reflected by the eclectic membership
of the working group, which - in
addition to ecologists - also includes
English Heritage, the War Graves
Commission, Association of Burial
Authorities and the Alliance of
Religions and Conservation. A typical
site may have wild flower-studded
grassland with mature trees, providing
habitat for attractive species such as
woodpeckers, song thrush and bats.
Gravestones and walls provide a
unique ‘stony habitat’ for lichens and
wall ferns.
Many such sites are known in London but many others have been overlooked. It is
imperative that all such sites are recorded in advance of proposals to re-use scarce
burial space in London, so that the sensitive parts of each site can be protected.
The majority of modern cemeteries may have little obvious wildlife value due to
intensive management. The Plan’s intention is to include these sites too, as well as
the grounds of crematoria, and encourage their managers to make adjustments for
wildlife and to consider habitat creation schemes.
Cemeteries and churchyards are the only habitat likely to be visited by every single
Londoner at some point in their lives. The Plan will therefore look at ways of using
this as an opportunity to reach out to new groups who have not traditionally been
interested in wildlife.
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 14
  Actions being implemented through existing work programmes
Action Start date/
expected
start
Establish a Churchyards and Cemeteries Biodiversity Working Group 2002
Establish a forum for managers of churchyards and cemeteries of
known wildlife value.
2003
Ensure that cemetery and churchyard elements are distinguished within
the GLA rolling programme of survey
2002
Encourage the declaration of suitable sites as Local Nature Reserves Ongoing
Monitor re-use and development proposals in relation to new and
existing burial sites via the planning process
Ongoing
Review the biodiversity content of existing cemetery management training 2004
Organise links and joint initiatives with various faith groups. 2003
Encourage the inclusion of ecological criteria within the Memorial
Awareness Board’s ‘Cemetery of the Year’ award
2006
Produce a generic article promoting biodiversity enhancements for
publication in professional journals and newsletters
2004
  Actions being implemented through ongoing work programmes with
financial contributions anticipated from existing partners
Action Start
date
Major in kind
contributions,
incl. staff time
Funds
agreed
Produce and disseminate advice for
biodiversity in burial ground management
Ongoing English
Heritage,
English Nature
Figure
not
available
  Actions requiring external funding
Action Projected start
date
External
funding
required
Contribute to a web-based database of burial ground
information in London, jointly with a range of partners
2003 To be
determined
Develop & coordinate a popular survey for burial
grounds
2005 £12,000
Organise series of training workshops for site managers 2005 £1,000
Appoint a part-time Sacred Land Project Officer for
London jointly with the Alliance for Religions &
Conservation and the Sacred Land Project to work
on biodiversity and sustainability in burial grounds
2005 £20,000
p.a.
Produce an advisory leaflet on lichen and wall fern
conservation in building and gravestone maintenance
2003 £3,000
Produce a promotional leaflet on accessible sites 2005 £3,000
Review and revise existing school educational packs 2003 £5,000
Organise a London-wide ‘Action Day’ 2006 £2,000
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 15
Gardens
London is a garden city, with an
amazing network of well-developed
gardens providing intricate urban
habitat. These gardens and their
associated trees, hedges, ponds,
flower borders, overgrown patches,
outbuildings, and other features
have developed into a resource
which is vital for city wildlife
including hedgehogs, dragonflies,
birds and butterflies.
Gardens are important as places
for Londoners to engage with local
wildlife, to watch seasonal changes, hear birds singing, and to find a sense of
stewardship in caring for the wild. Conversely, most experienced plantspeople
understand that it is impossible to manage a sustainable healthy garden without
some assistance from bumblebees, frogs, blackbirds, ladybirds and other wildlife.
This action plan provides an opportunity for real people to get involved in
biodiversity conservation. The working group includes the London Wildlife Trust,
Pesticide Action Network, Froglife, RBG Kew, the Royal Horticultural Society and
Gardening Which? It works around three main aims:
  To promote and encourage wildlife gardening practices to members of the public
who may be interested in improving their garden, for example, by digging a
wildlife pond, building bird boxes, planting butterfly food plants or installing a
thorny country hedge.
  To gather information and publicise relevant issues widely to stop practices
which are destructive to wildlife, including inappropriate pesticide use, peat use,
bad pond design, and unseasonal clearance.
  To encourage planning guidelines which preserve the total resource of gardens
in London against infill development.
Part of the pleasure in working with London’s gardeners is celebrating the
achievements of so many people. The Londoners’ Wildlife Gardening Day in June
2003 was one such event, offering workshops, information stalls, talks and family
activities, which proved to be an excellent opportunity to share ideas, information,
good practice and achievements between a range of different organisations and
individual gardeners.
  Actions being implemented through existing work programmes
Action Start date/
expected
start
Establish London Gardening for Wildlife working group 2001
Planning advice on protection of London’s garden resource (GLA) 2002
Promote Garden Birdwatch survey in London (BTO) 2003
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 16
  Actions being implemented through ongoing work programmes, or
for which funding has already been provided or agreed
Action Start
date
Major in kind
contributions
incl. staff
time
Funds
agreed
Produce and distribute wildlife gardening
pack
2002
LWT £6,000
(BHET)
Continue wildlife in gardens survey 2002 LWT BHET
plus in kind
contributions
from LWT
Liaison with garden centres: promote use of
wildlife-friendly products; provide wildlife
gardening information; survey of customers.
2002 LWT £5,000
(BHET)
Organise conference for wildlife gardeners 2003 NHM/LWT Venue and
support costs
from NHM;
Admissions
income from
participants
Survey of home pesticide use and report on
findings (ongoing)
2002 PAN Costs
being met
by PAN
  Actions requiring external funding
Action Projected
start date
External
funding
required
Produce ‘Where are London’s wildlife gardens?’ leaflet 2004 £3,000
Run informal gardening for wildlife action day with
events at up to six sites across London
2004/5 £3,000/yr
Organise London-wide Frog Day to encourage more
wildlife gardeners
2004 £3,000
Provide interpretation at selection of publicly
accessible demonstration wildlife gardens
2004 £1,500/
site
Provide one day wildlife gardening courses for the
general public plus suitable publicity at range of local
venues @£300 each for six one day events
2004-6 £2,000
Abbreviations
BHET Bridge House Estates Trust
BTO British Trust for Ornithology
LWT London Wildlife Trust
PAN Pesticides Action Network
NHM Natural History Museum
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 17
Woodland
London contains wonderful
woodlands that spread from the
Green Belt almost to the city
centre. Many have public access,
affording London’s residents a leafy
retreat from the urban environment.
London’s woods also have
fascinating historical connections.
Woodland covers about 4.5% of
London, and every borough except
the City of London contains
woodland. There are particular
concentrations in the outer
boroughs such as Bromley,
Croydon, Hillingdon and Barnet,
and many of these woods are rich
in biodiversity.
Lack of appropriate management is
a major factor affecting woodland
today. Woods were neglected as
markets for wood fell away, often
leading to loss of flora and fauna,
encouraging fly tipping and
vandalism, and resulting in a less
attractive place for people to enjoy.
Providing managers with advice on
how to look after woodland is one
of the aims of this Action Plan, and
a project to demonstrate good
management is also being
developed.
Some parts of London contain very little woodland, for example in much of
London’s Thames Gateway. Projects to establish new woodland here are in
progress, and additional planting in this area of regeneration is planned.
Markets for woodland products promote management. Products form a link
between people and woodlands, generating employment and strengthening local
communities, as well as being a useful educational tool. Whilst markets have
changed, there is still a demand for goods ranging from firewood to bespoke
furniture and signposts, which can be produced to the benefit of local economies
and biodiversity. Encouraging use of wood and establishing a new Timber Station,
where wood can be aggregated and processed, would promote sustainable use of
woodland.
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 18
  Actions for which funding is required
Objectives and Actions
Start
date
Major in kind
contributions
including staff
time
External
funding
required
Promote best practice in woodland
management & increase the area of
woodland which is managed appropriately
  Establish a working group to develop
advice; maintain a database of
relevant experience
  Offer management advice to owners
and managers of London’s most
important woodlands. This may
include guidance on appropriate
management of key species.
2004
GLA, Forestry
Commission,
Woodland
Trust, London
boroughs
£5,000
£65,000
Increase woodland cover in areas of
woodland deficiency
  Produce a map of accessible
woodland in London; identify areas of
woodland deficiency
  Establish at least 25 ha of new
woodland in areas of deficiency.
Ongoing
GLA, Green
Gateway,
Trees for
London,
Forestry
Commission,
Woodland
Trust
£5,000
£375,000
Increase production, use & markets for
sustainable timber & woodland products
  Work with local authorities & community
groups to encourage the production &
use of woodland produce
  Set up one new timber station in London
2005 Forestry
Commission,
Woodland
Trust, local
authorities
£20,000
£50,000
The Capital Woodlands project
A project which combines many of the actions shown above is currently under
development in consultation with a major funding agency. It will focus on a number
of woods across London, where management to encourage biodiversity and
people’s enjoyment will be promoted, and local people will be encouraged to use
the wood and trained to help in its care. This will be complemented by a wider
programme to promote and use London’s woodlands. The programme will include:
  work in selected woodlands to improve biodiversity value and access and
increase local use and involvement
  outreach and promotion of London’s woodlands more generally
  training for unemployed people in woodland management
Any further fund-raising for the woodland action plan will depend upon the outcome
of these negotiations.
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 19
Acid Grassland
Acid grasslands are associated
with low-nutrient acidic soils,
usually over free-draining sand or
gravel sub-soils, although this
action plan also includes acid
grassland on less well-drained
soils. Acidic soils are fairly
common in the Thames basin,
particularly over the Terrace
Gravels. However, acid grassland
habitat is uncommon as a result of
extensive development, conversion
into farmland or amenity grassland
and quarrying for aggregates.
Acid grassland typically consists of
a variety of fine-leaved grasses
such as common bent, red and
sheep’s fescue with tussocks of
purple moor grass in less well
drained areas. Characteristic
wildflowers include harebell, heath
bedstraw, cat’s ear, sheep’s
sorrel, tormentil, common stork’sbill,
heath milkwort, buck’s-horn
plantain and the diminutive bird’s foot. Nationally scarce plants found in London’s
acid grassland include clustered clover, upright chickweed and autumn squill.
The acid grasslands of Greater London, south Essex and north-west Kent appear to
be the natural home of a distinctive assemblage of insects and spiders (the
‘Thames Terrace invertebrate fauna’). These include many species with a restricted
UK distribution, including hole-nesting bees and wasps (such as many rare mining
bees) and ants. More familiar insects frequently found in acid grasslands include
the small heath and small copper butterflies and meadow ants, which create
distinctive ant-hills. The abundance of invertebrates attracts birds such as the
meadow pipit, skylark and the green woodpecker.
Lowland acid grassland is a priority habitat in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
London’s estimated 1300 hectares contributes about 4% of the national resource.
Extensive areas occur, for example in Richmond Park, on Wimbledon Common,
Putney Heath and Wanstead Flats. Only six boroughs have no acid grassland but
much of it is widely scattered, often overlooked fragments on the margins of
amenity grassland, golf courses, scrub, road and rail verges, or wasteland sites.
Much of our remaining acid grassland has suffered in quality. Ideally it would be
maintained by stock grazing and occur alongside stands of heather and gorse,
patches of bare ground and lichens, together with scrub and peat-filled bogs.
However, over-intensity of use, or neglect and consequent invasion by coarse
grasses, bracken and developing woodland are all too common.
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 20
  Actions being implemented through existing work programmes
Action Start date or
expected start
Richmond Park: bracken control (c. 9ha) for acid grassland restoration. Ongoing
Mitcham and Wimbledon Commons: ongoing management and
restoration of acid grassland (estimated annual cost >£10,000)
Ongoing
  Actions for which funding or part-funding has been secured, or
which is currently the subject of negotiation
Action Start
date
Major in kind
contributions
incl. staff time
Funds agreed or
subject of
negotiation
Barking & Dagenham: Management
of area of 8.5ha acid grassland by
hay-cutting plus hedgerow planting.
2003 LB Barking &
Dagenham
Bid to Countryside
Stewardship
scheme pending
Introduction of conservation grazing
by cattle and sheep at various
localities in LB Hounslow.
2003 LB Hounslow
& Partners
Consortium of West
London partners,
LB Hounslow plus
pending bid to
Aggregates Fund
Restoration of 0.3ha of car park to
acid grassland in Richmond Park,
with a package of public interpretation
and habitat monitoring
2003 RPA RPA plus pending
50% matched funding
bid for English Nature
S35 grant.
Beddington Farmlands restoration –
30ha of acid grassland and heathland
will be created on landscaped hills.
Over
next
10yr
Thames Waste
(linked to Beddington
Sewage Farm
planning permission)
  Actions requiring external funding
Action Projected
start date
External funding
required
Targeted invertebrate surveys of sites for which
there are poor data (to encompass a good
geographical spread and a variety of site types).
2004 35 days @ 150
per day = £5,250
Production of interim guidance leaflet for site
managers on managing acid grassland for
Thames Terrace invertebrates (includes 2 days
consultant entomologist, illustrations or
photographs of key species, low budget leaflet)
2003 £2,000
Following trial use of interim leaflet, revise and
produce as high quality 8-12 page full colour
booklet on acid grassland management.
2005 £5,000
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 21
Heathland
Lowland heathland is a scarce and
declining habitat in Europe and is of
international importance. The UK has
approximately 20% of the global
resource of this habitat, of which the
largest proportion (55%) is found in
England. Heathlands provide a clear link
between history, culture and nature.
Although natural in appearance and
possessing the ‘wilderness’ quality,
heathlands are an ancient landscape,
which is the product of human activity,
such as burning and grazing, over
hundreds, if not thousands of years.
Heathland was once a key part of the
landscape on large areas of common
land around London, where local people
grazed animals and drovers stationed
their stock on the way to market. Such
grazing helped to keep scrub and trees
from invading the open landscape.
Heathlands also played a vital role in the
local economy, as gorse and peat
yielded a valued source of fuel.
Heathlands are still valued by local communities as quiet refuges for fresh air and
exercise, and they are increasingly recognised as an important resource for nature
conservation and archaeology. Larger heathland blocks, such as Wimbledon
Common and Stanmore Common, are the nearest thing to ‘wilderness’ in a
crowded urban environment. Many people benefit from walking, riding, or bird
watching in heathland especially when the heather and gorse are in bloom.
Only small fragments of heathland remain in London — about 80 hectares in total.
The resource has been much reduced in distribution and is of variable quality.
However, it is still a significant habitat type, and important as the last refuge of a
distinctive group of plants and animals. These include heather, dwarf gorse, the
linnet, the green hairstreak butterfly and the adder, which is now a very rare and
threatened species within the capital. Before it disappears altogether, we must act
quickly to save the remnants of this special habitat, restore degraded areas and
where appropriate consider the creation of new heathlands. The Heathland Working
Group’s over-arching aims are:
  To develop a strategic approach to the protection, management, creation and
restoration of heathland within London through a heathland restoration strategy.
  To promote the value of heathland and secure the involvement of Londoners in
its conservation.
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 22
  Actions being implemented through existing work programmes
Action Start date/
expected
start
Heathland management and limited restoration works are being
undertaken on sites around London (please refer to the Heathland
Restoration Strategy).
Establish a working group to develop advice and maintain database of
relevant information.
Ongoing
Ongoing
  Actions for which funding or part-funding has been secured
Action Start
date
Major in kind
contributions
incl staff time
Funds
agreed
Undertake a programme of training in
management, monitoring, interpretation
and communication for site managers
Ongoing Working group 1,000 p.a
(English
Nature)
  Actions requiring external funding
Action Projected
start date
External
funding
required
Produce best practice habitat management
guidelines report and distribute to heathland
managers.
2003 £6,000
(total cost
c. £10,000;
E.N. offering
£4,000)
Implement the heathland restoration strategy, a
targeted and costed programme of action to create
new areas of heathland habitat, reflecting historical
distribution and suitable geological conditions, and to
restore areas of recoverable but degraded habitat
Aim to complete 0.25 ha in each of 4-6 sites per
year, hence 15 ha over next ten years. Cost will be
lower on land which is close to existing heathland
habitat, higher where habitat creation is starting from
scratch.
2004 £1,320 to
£20,000/ha
depending
upon
treatment
required.
Produce a leaflet on London’s heathland resource to
help raise awareness of its value and educational
potential within local communities.
2004 £3,000
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 23
Tidal Thames (London, Kent and Essex)
The Thames is London’s most important
wildlife corridor, stretching from the leafy
suburbs of west London through the city
centre to the open estuary and the
southern North Sea. It encompasses a
wide variety of habitats, from freshwater,
through brackish to marine conditions.
This action plan focuses on the habitats
in the estuary itself, from open water to
foreshore, together with some of the
associated terrestrial habitats. However,
it recognises that some of the adjoining
habitats, such as reedbed, grazing marsh
and wasteland play a significant part in
the life cycle of some species in the
Thames itself. The Action Plan has
three main aims:
• To conserve and enhance the
habitats, species and local
distinctiveness of the Tidal Thames;
• A strategic approach for biodiversity
conservation along the Thames;
• To promote public awareness and
appreciation of the river.
To deliver the action plan, the Thames Estuary Partnership (TEP) has integrated
the biodiversity objectives for the Thames in London (previously published as the
Tidal Thames HAP in the London Biodiversity Action Plan) with those for Kent and
Essex, to produce a single strategic plan (TTHAP) for the whole estuary. It is hoped
that various Thames-side local authorities will adopt this document and incorporate
appropriate concepts into development frameworks and Local Plans. This should
allow the Thames to be dealt with in a consistent manner throughout its tidal range.
The programme as a whole is extremely wide-ranging and only some of the main
actions are shown here. Note that the Thames Estuary Partnership has gained
funding from the Government’s Environmental Action Fund to support a project
officer to lead the work, and some projects are supported by Essex County Council
through an InterReg IIb programme, SAIL II.
  Actions being implemented mainly through existing work programmes
Action Start date/
expected start
Establish a Biodiversity Action Group to provide guidance on
biodiversity issues on the Tidal Thames
Ongoing
Seek to ensure that biodiversity objectives are fully included
in the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Annexe in The London Plan
2002-2003
Construction of Environmental Information Exchange System Trial system in place
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 24
  Actions for which funding or part-funding has been secured
Action Start
date
Major in kind
contributions,
including staff
time
Funds
agreed
Development of a Tidal Thames HAP for the
estuary as a whole as extension to the Tidal
Thames HAP in London
Completed
March
2003
TEP and
members of
BAG
EAF
(funds the
project
officer)
Identify areas for habitat enhancement
schemes
April 03 TEP and
members of
BAG
EAF
(funds the
project
officer)
Identify gaps in existing habitat management
guidance and produce documents to
address any deficiencies
April 03
TEP and
members of
BAG
EAF
(funds the
project
officer)
Launch of TTHAP March 03 TEP £500 EAF
Tidal Thames Habitat and Species Audit March 03 SAIL II and
members of
BAG
EAF
(funds the
project
officer);
£38,000
SAIL II
Sustainable approach to maintenance dredging 2003 TEP PLA
Business Conservation Forum May 03 TEP £800 EAF
  Actions which still require external funding
Action Projected
start date
Funding
required
Construct web-based Research Audit of the Tidal
Thames (to be known as the TERF Observatory); this
will make available to the public information about past,
current and ongoing research relating to the estuary.
Sept 03 £1,750
p.a.
Install Tidal Thames Habitat and Species Audit map and
species information onto Thames WEB site
Sept 03 £1,000
Provide student bursaries for research studies to be
developed through the Thames Estuary Research Forum.
2004 £500 per
student
Feasibility study - examine options for wider GIS Tidal Thames
Information System to be displayed on ThamesWEB site.
Jan 04 £5,000
Abbreviations
EAF Environmental Action Fund
BAG Biodiversity Action Group
PLA Port of London Authority
TEP Thames Estuary Partnership
TERF Thames Estuary Research Forum
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 25
Canals
Canals and Waterways in London
provide an important refuge for water
birds, bats, fish and many other species
of aquatic life. They act as linear
habitats, stretching through 15 London
Boroughs, linking many wildlife sites
together. Their character varies greatly
from one stretch to another, but all are
important to the local communities who
live on either side, through offering a
quiet space in the busy urban
environment, with opportunities for
recreation such as boating, angling and
bird watching.
The quality of the canal environment
varies greatly and is often under
considerable pressure. Vandalism,
rubbish, pollution, historic contamination,
inappropriate development and the
pressures of recreation may all cause
problems. Balancing demands such as
cycling, walking and boating, whilst also
maintaining biodiversity, requires
sensitive and careful management.
This action plan is a demanding programme to improve both the biodiversity
interest and the wider aspects of the canal environment. It aims to engage the
communities and schools along the corridor in environmental education. Much
funding has already been achieved and considerable progress has already been
made in implementation some of the actions, but further resources are needed.
This action plan links well with a number of other plans, for example “Wasteland”
which occurs alongside many stretches of canal, as well as the Black Redstart and
Water Vole Species Action Plans. Partnerships are being forged and practical
progress achieved for several plans simultaneously.
  Actions being implemented through existing work programmes
Action Start date or
expected start
Collate wildlife information from BW national records, data from partners
such as LRT, and London Water Vole project officer.
Ongoing
process.
Undertake environmental appraisal of all projects and where possible
influence development along the canal through EIA and planning control.
Ongoing
process.
Identify best practice for control of invasive species drawing information
from the EA, BW and the centre for aquatic plant management.
Ongoing
process.
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 26
  Actions for which funding or part-funding has been secured
Action Start date Major in kind
contribution
inc. staff time
Funds agreed
Develop partnership with the
Zoological Society of London to
enhance canal near London Zoo,
linking local and global conservation
Started
2002
BW & ZSL Funds partially
secured.
Complete habitat improvements in
accordance with British Waterways
BAP. Identify the biodiversity value of
three waterways; establish targets for
action.
Lee / Stort
2004;
London’s
canals 2005;
Docklands2006.
BW officer
time and
resources.
Some inhouse
funding;
£5,000
needed for
each plan.
Undertake canal corridor studies to
explore wider environmental issues (e.g.
landscape, safety, vandalism); identify
possible improvements. Complete
Enfield study; develop Park Royal study.
2003-4 BW and
partners, staff
and
resources.
Some inhouse
funding;
£5,000 per
study needed.
Establish the biodiversity focus of events
linked to waterway festivals, through
interpretive materials and activities.
2003 BW Education
and recreation
officers
£4- 5,000 p.a.
agreed. £5,000
morewouldhelp.
Support National Science week,
through environmental education for
schools. Grant sought to expand this work.
2003 BW Education
officer plus
resources.
A further
£1,000 would
help.
Produce a directory of canal related
organisations in London, e.g. NGOs,
community stakeholder groups, etc.
2004 Staff time A further
£2,000
needed
  Actions requiring funding
Action Projected
start date
Ext. Funding
required
Further collation of information on habitats, species
and management history to build up baseline of
data, linked to London Biological Records Centre.
2003 £2,000
From this develop a survey programme for key
habitats and species (including fish and invertebrates).
Based on £150/ day contract surveyor.
2003 £10,000 p.a.
for 3 yrs
Undertake audit of problem species e.g. Japanese
knotweed; develop strategic approach to management
2003 £10,000
Produce Japanese Knotweed guidance note e.g.
for developers and engineers
2003 £1,000
Arrange a conference on biodiversity and canals. 2004 £5,000
Develop educational materials for floating classroom. 2003 £1,000
Create “reef areas” on sections of the canal, with
opportunities for education e.g. pond dipping.
2003-4 £5,000 p.a.
Encourage development of “adopt a canal” groups,
through small grants for local projects.
2003-5 £2,000 p.a.
per group
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 27
Wastelands
London’s wastelands can be stunning,
offering a mosaic of species and
communities at different stages of
natural succession. They can also
provide a valuable place for people living
and working in areas that are short of
accessible open space. They have
potential for being made into safer, more
accessible greenspace through positive
management. Concentrations of
wasteland survive particularly in the
Thames Gateway, but Government
policy targets such sites for development.
Many have already been lost.
The image of industrial decline and anti-social activity creates a negative public image
of wasteland. This extends into the conservation sector and consequently, research
and evaluation has lagged behind that of other habitats. It is therefore a major
challenge to raise awareness of this habitat’s value among decision-makers and the
public and to promote management for biodiversity and safe, enjoyable access.
In 2002 London Wildlife Trust produced a report highlighting the value of brownfield
land for people and wildlife and English Nature will be publishing an advisory note
on brownfield biodiversity in 2003. Recent workshops on brownfield invertebrates
and rubble roofs also highlight the issues to targeted audiences. At the Creekside
Centre, opened in Deptford in 2002, new landscaping is dominated by crushed
brick and concrete to encourage natural colonisation by local plants and animals
and thereby reflect the distinctive character of the Deptford landscape.
  Actions requiring funding
Action Projected
start date
Ext.
funding
required
Advice to landowners and managers on the
management of temporarily vacant land for
wasteland wildlife, if possible with access for
people: produce, promote and distribute on-line
and hard copy pack with advice on practical
management to maintain wildlife value.
2003 £3,500
Produce good practice guide for evaluating brownfield
wildlife, and promote to environmental consultants. Cost
includes research and collating existing information,
design and distribution as ‘1-stop’ web-based package.
2003 £4,000
Identify key wasteland sites that support species of regional
and national conservation importance. Disseminate to
London Brownfields Forum and other relevant parties.
Costs include fieldwork plus desktop study.
2004 £6,000
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 28
Species Action Plans
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 29
Grey Heron
Grey herons (Ardea cinerea) are easily
recognised and appreciated by most
Londoners. However, they are often
mistakenly known as ‘stork’ or ‘crane’.
They are at the top of the freshwater
food chain and their presence can
indicate a healthy habitat. Increases in
fish stocks following improvements in the
Thames and its tributaries have led to a
plentiful food supply, allowing herons to
increase and spread. The recent run of
mild winters has also helped, as
numbers can decline sharply in severe
winters. London is a hotspot for herons.
Back in 1985 a British Trust for
Ornithology Census found three
heronries in London, totalling 114 nests.
But by 2000, this had increased to16
heronries with 302 nests.
Despite the species’ clear adaptation to the urban environment, heronries, day
roosts and foraging habitat remain vulnerable to disturbance. The most vulnerable
period is while birds are sitting on eggs, which may be as early as February.
Discarded fishing line is also a threat. This action plan aims to maintain the current
number of heronries, to develop and implement an ongoing research and
monitoring programme and to generate an awareness of grey herons and their
needs by the general public.
  Actions being implemented mainly through existing work programmes
Action Start /
expected start
Develop programme to monitor breeding success at selected heronries 2001, ongoing
Monitor population through monthly Wetland Bird Survey data 2001, ongoing
Protect trees in all current heronries through Tree Preservation Orders,
where they may be threatened.
2003
Pilot grey heron action day where public can view young in nest 2002
  Actions requiring external funding
Action Projected
start date
Ext. funding
required
Hold public grey heron day at five or more London sites. 2004 £2,000 p.a.
Produce habitat management booklet for heronries 2004 £2,000
Research viability of artificial nest platforms. If found to be
successful promote platforms at suitable sites
2004 £500 per
platform
Identify important day roosts focussing along the Thames 2003 £1,000
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 30
Peregrine
Peregrines are iconic birds - large
powerful falcons that evoke the
‘wildness’ of the uplands and rocky
coastlines. They have only recently
begun breeding in London, utilising the
facades of large buildings which mimic
their more typical cliff-ledge nest-sites.
Their presence epitomises the wilder
side of London and demonstrates that
nature is not excluded from urban areas.
Despite their ability to establish a
foothold in London, it will require a
considerable amount of awarenessraising
and practical conservation
measures (of nest-sites in particular) to
ensure that peregrines maintain a
presence here.
This action plan aims to provide practical help and advice to owners and managers
of buildings and structures where the species nests or roosts. It also aims to raise
awareness of the presence of peregrines in the skies over London as proof of the
relevance of nature conservation even in the heart of the city.
  Actions being implemented through existing work programmes
Action Start/
expected start
Contact proprietors of buildings where peregrines display or
nest of their own accord within 1 month of discovery.
Ongoing
Contact proprietors of other suitable buildings in appropriate
locations and encourage them to install nest boxes
Ongoing
Monitor known breeding pairs Ongoing
  Actions requiring external funding
Action Projected
start date
Ext. funding
required
Install nest-boxes at suitable sites When sites
become
available
£1,000 per
box
(including
erection)
Establish a web-cam to view nest boxes When secure
nest is
established
£2,000 (incl.
web-site link)
Establish a viewing point where people can
watch peregrines at a nest (including temporary
or permanent interpretation material)
When
suitable pair
is established
£1,000-£3,000
(dependent
on location)
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 31
Reptiles
Reptiles, associated in most people’s
minds with warmer climes, are
reasonably widespread in London. No
doubt the ‘heat island’ effect of the city
combined with a still significant number
of ‘wasteland’ sites make parts of the
capital a relatively reptile-friendly
environment. Grass snakes are locally
common in many outer boroughs though
populations are declining due to habitat
fragmentation and loss. Adders (London’s
only other native snake) are now rare,
confined to a few sites. Common lizards
and slow-worms are widespread in outer
London, with isolated populations further in,
especially on allotments, railway
embankments and ‘brownfield’ sites.
Development pressure and the increasing isolation of core populations pose threats
to reptiles. This action plan aims to update our knowledge of reptile distribution in
London; to promote reptile conservation to landowners, land managers and the
public and to maintain a viable adder population in London.
  Actions being implemented through existing work programmes
Action Expected
start
Include reptile tick-box (or similar) in public surveys of garden biodiversity Ongoing
Produce and distribute advice note on reptile conservation in
relation to planning issues for planners and developers
2001
  Actions for which funding or part-funding has been secured
Action Start
date
Main in kind
contributions
Funds
agreed
Collate existing adder records; survey likely sites,
including the 5-10 sites where adders have been
recorded. Survey other likely sites. Investigate
habitat management work to encourage adders.
2003
->
EN £5,000
(EN).
£10,000
needed.
  Actions requiring external funding
Action Projected
start date
Funding
required
Update existing reptile leaflets for the public 2003 £3,000
Publish Herpetofauna Atlas for Greater London – text
to be drafted in house; cost is mainly printing.
2004/5 £10,000
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 32
Water Vole
The water vole is a priority for protection
in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
Where it survives, it is one of the few
British wild mammals that can be easily
seen and enjoyed by the public, since it
is often active in the daytime. It has
strong cultural associations through
‘Ratty’ in ‘Wind in the Willows’. The
population has declined sharply across
much of the UK since the 1930s, and
particularly since the 1980s, as a result
of habitat degradation and loss and
predation by mink. The species has
been lost from many London boroughs,
but localised populations survive in
about 13 outer boroughs.
A project officer, funded by the Environment Agency, Lee Valley Regional Park
Authority, British Waterways, London Development Agency and London Wildlife
Trust has been developing a programme of conservation since 2001. Initial work
included collating existing records and identifying key populations and sites where
survey should be focused. Advice on conservation and habitat management has
been given to local authorities and developers. Work has also taken place with pest
controllers, raising awareness of problems associated with rats and water voles and
advising on rat control in riverside habitats. Opportunities for re-introduction are
also being investigated. A small population has become established at the WWT
Barnes Wetland Centre, which is already providing an opportunity for visitors to
enjoy this likeable mammal. Funding is now sought to extend this work.
  Actions requiring funding
Action
Projected
start date
External funding
required
Undertake systematic survey of selected
rivers in London, including contribution to
river conservation strategies for this species.
2003 £2,000 approx for
each river
Create interpretation material e.g. signs or
leaflets for nature reserves and country parks
where the species occurs.
Develop an education pack, linked to Wildlife
Watch, for schools and environmental
education centres, incl. posters & activities.
2003 Signs - £500/site
Leaflets - £500
£1,000
(design and
printing)
Undertake riverbank improvements for water
voles, including planting of appropriate
vegetation, scrub clearance and creation of
refuge sites. Costs will vary from site to site.
2004 £2,000 – £10,000
per site
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 33
Bats
Bats are highly adapted flying mammals
–the only mammals to have evolved
powered flight. At least eight species are
known to breed in Greater London. They
are generally only seen at dusk and their
nocturnal habits have resulted in various
popular misconceptions and misplaced
fear. Horror films and the media quoting
fiction as fact have not helped this
tainted image. British bats eat only
insects. They consume a huge number
and variety – a single pipistrelle can eat
3,000 midges in a night.
With the historic loss of their natural roost sites in woodland, bats became adapted
to living in buildings, and some Londoner’s are surprised to discover unexpected
lodgers in the roof during the breeding season. Much conservation effort focuses on
encouraging people’s tolerance and goodwill.
Bats are an excellent indicator of the quality of our environment, as they are highly
sensitive to environmental changes. Their decline should thus be of major concern
to us all. Although they are among the most protected of species of British wildlife
legally, disturbance of bats and destruction of roosts still goes on. Less direct
threats come from changes in land use, leading to loss of feeding habitat, and
disruption to flight-paths by development and floodlighting. Recent repeat census
work found that there has been a significant decline in London’s bats since the mid
1980s, especially affecting the rarer species.
The place of bats in London is promoted by the London Bat Group, London Wildlife
Trust, English Nature and local authorities. Guided bat walks, illustrated talks and
training are on offer to an enthusiastic public. Leaflets and other publications are
also widely available.
  Actions being implemented through existing work programmes plus volunteers
Action Expected
start
Collate current and historical records Ongoing
Write a Bat Advice Note for planners 2001
Maintain co-ordinated Guided Bat Walks programme Ongoing
Ensure that suitable roost sites are in optimal condition to receive bats. Ongoing
Identify potential sites for roost creation opportunities Ongoing
Establish long-term pipistrelle monitoring project, as part of
National Monitoring Project by Bat Conservation Trust
2003
Run training courses in bat detection – led mainly by volunteers,
but supported by staff and admin facilities of BCT
2003
Run training courses for potential Guided Bat Walk leaders – led
mainly by volunteers but supported by staff and admin facilities of BCT
2003
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 34
  Actions requiring external funding
Action Projected
start date
Ext. funding
required
‘Bat box’ bat detectors for survey work 5 x £200 2003 £1,000
Create new roost opportunities on (40-x)
identified sites. Roost structures vary from a
collection of simple bat boxes through grilles or
tunnel conversions to elaborate hibernacula. The
cost thus varies from c £50.00 to several
thousand ££ per site, depending upon the target
species, site potential and what is considered
appropriate.
2003 £45,000
Set up programme of training for bat box
inspection and roost visitor licences. £350 per
session to allow for two trainers working together.
2003 £350 per
session
Commission and complete new research,
including field studies, into link between urban bat
ecology and artificial light
(PhD project)
2005 £30,000
Produce and distribute Bat Advice Note for
planners
2003 £2,000
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 35
Sand Martin
The sand martin is the smallest of
Britain’s swallow family. A common
summer visitor to England, it starts
arriving from its winter retreat in sub-
Saharan Africa from mid to late March.
The UK’s breeding population is
recovering from several major population
crashes following droughts in the Sahel
area of Africa in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
Sand martins catch their insect prey in
flight, usually over water. They breed
colonially in tunnels dug into steep
riverbanks and cliffs. However, they are
remarkably adaptable and can be found
nesting in gravel pits, canal banks and
even drainpipes set in walls. In the 1998
London Bird Report, seven colonies
were identified in Greater London. Their
breeding sites beside urban waterways
provide excellent opportunities for
Londoners to view this fascinating bird.
This Action Plan aims to protect and enhance London’s sand martin population.
One of the key actions is to create three new artificial breeding sites per year for
five years. This should help to ensure an increasing number of sand martins
breeding in London and a better opportunity for local people to experience these
long-distant migrants at a variety of new locations.
  Actions to be implemented through existing work programme plus volunteers
Action Start date/
expected start
Continue monitoring of sand martins in London through
Breeding Bird and Waterways Bird Surveys
Ongoing
Collate existing information on known breeding sites Ongoing
Coordinate targeted breeding sand martin survey, particularly
on canals and Thames
Ongoing
Produce and disseminate a best practice advice note on
managing sand martin breeding sites (EA)
Completed and
distributed 2002
  Actions requiring funding
Action Projected
start date
Ext. funding
required
Create 3 artificial breeding sites per year for 5
years. Cost varies depending on site and facilities.
2003
onwards
£1,000- 20,000
per site
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 36
House Sparrow
Until about 15 years ago the house
sparrow was one of the commonest
birds in London and a regular visitor to
garden bird tables. However, in recent
years the population has declined
dramatically. In 2002, as numbers
across the UK fell below 50% of their
level 25 years ago, the species was
placed on the UK ‘Red List’. The decline
has been particularly severe in London.
To improve our understanding of house
sparrows in London, a public
participation survey was organised in the
summer of 2002. More than 9,000
Londoners took part. From these results
it has become clear that the status of
house sparrows varies greatly from one
part of London to another. Analysis is
now being undertaken to look for
possible correlations with air quality,
housing and other environmental factors.
Concern about sparrows has moved on from being seen largely as a local issue to
one of national concern. The British Trust for Ornithology and the RSPB have
embarked upon major research. One of the RSPB’s proposals is to set up a large
number of nestboxes, through which to track the breeding success of individual
pairs. The London house sparrow group will now focus its efforts on support for
elements of the national initiatives that are based in the capital, through providing
local knowledge and practical support, as well as contributing to fund-raising.
  Actions being implemented through existing work programmes
Action Start date
Collate existing information on house sparrow decline. 2001
Establish links with research projects 2001
  Action which has been funded and completed already
Action Start
date
Major in kind
contributions
Funds provided
Carry out public participation survey
of house sparrows in London
2002 RSPB, GLA,
LWT, LNHS
Awards for All
£4,517; LNHS £250
  Actions requiring external funding
Action Start date Funding required
Contribute to fund-raising for London-based
research projects
2004 £15, 000
Average number of sparrows
recorded per home; the darker the
colour the more birds were recorded.
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 37
Black Redstart
The black redstart is a rare breeding
bird, which is predominantly found in our
cities. London is one its most important
strongholds in the UK. This species has
become a flagship for brownfield ecology
as it tends to breed on wastelands and
post-industrial sites, which are often the
target for new development. However,
development and conservation are not
necessarily opposed, if the goodwill is
there and opportunities are taken to
consider new approaches. This species
has now become an icon for
encouraging green roofs in London.
This action plan has been cited as an example of good practice in the England
Biodiversity Strategy and in ‘Sustainable Development – the UK Government’s
Approach’. Our website www.blackredstarts.org.uk is generating much interest both
in London and beyond.
  Actions being implemented through existing work programmes
Action Start date or
expected start
Co-ordinate black redstart survey in London 2001
Collate black redstart data in London and map in GIS form 2001
  Actions for which funding or part-funding has been secured
Action Start
date
Main in kind
contributions
(staff or vols)
Funds agreed
Research into value of green roves for
black redstarts and brownfield
invertebrates – PhD project based at
Royal Holloway College.
April
2003
D. Gedge £2,000 p.a. BW;
£3,500 p.a. CWML;
Other companies
are considering
Survey to investigate rooftop use by
nesting birds in the City & Isle of Dogs
2004 D. Gedge CWML £500;
Corp. of Lond. £500
£1,000 needed
  Actions requiring funding
Action Start date Ext. funding
required
Part time project officer to coordinate this action plan ASAP £15,000 p.a.
Produce examples of green roofs for black
redstarts on existing buildings (retro fitting)
ASAP £60,000
Extend field survey of black redstarts in London 2003/04 £10,000
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 38
Tower Mustard
Tower mustard (Arabis glabra) is a biennial
plant of disturbed habitats on free-draining,
sandy soils. It has smooth, grey-green leaves
and very pale yellow flowers. It is nationally
scarce and declining, and known from only
about 30 sites in England. Its rarity and
undistinguished appearance mean this
species does not often touch the public
consciousness. There is one large population
in London, at Stain Hill Reservoir near
Hampton. This is one of the largest
populations in the UK, surpassed only by a
couple of East Anglian sites. This site is in
secure ownership and management, which
this plan seeks to maintain. Other historical
records have been traced, but none appear
suitable for population restoration. The plan
will therefore look to other ways to contribute
to research and targets for population creation.
  Actions requiring funding
Action Start
date
External funding
required
Ensure the protection and management of
Stain Hill Reservoir population, e.g. through
scrub control, grassland management,
scarification of ground and grazing.
Ongoing £1,000 p.a. for five years
(estimate only)
Ensure population data is collected
annually from Stain Hill for BSBI
Threatened Plants Database. Costs include
site visit by consultant, surveys and data
entry by volunteers, plus representation by
Plantlife at UK Tower Mustard SAP group
Ongoing £1,000 p.a. for five years
Ensure that seed from Stain Hill is stored in
the Millennium Seed Bank, Wakehurst
Place. Costs include travel and staff time.
Ongoing £300 p.a. for five years
Conduct feasibility study into establishment
of a population at Kew Gardens, to serve
as a demonstration plot and seed source.
Costs include establishment of plot, public
interpretation, management and survey.
Ongoing Plot establishment plus
interpretation £2,500
Ongoing management,
monitoring and data
input £1,000 p.a.
Establish a public demonstration plot and
wild population at WWT Wetland Centre,
plus suitable interpretation and monitoring.
Ongoing Establishment +
interpretation £2,500
Management +
monitoring £1,000 p.a.
Establish further plots / populations at
Crossness or Kempton Park Nature Reserve.
Ongoing As above example at
WWT.
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 39
Black Poplar
Until recently the native black poplar
(Populus nigra ssp. betulifolia) was
largely a forgotten tree. Where it
occurred it was just assumed to be one
of the several types of hybrid poplars
that can be found in many open spaces
in London. The true native black poplar
is a very scarce species, and usually
found in wet areas, typically along side
streams and rivers. It is characterised by
its large and ungainly appearance with
massively arching, down-curved
branches and heavily burred, often
leaning trunk.
An action plan is needed for this species
because of its rarity, generally elderly
age profile and likely inability to
reproduce sexually due to genetic
pollution from hybrid poplars. It will
probably be reliant for some time on the
planting of cuttings.
  Actions being implemented through existing work programmes
Action Start date/
expected
start
Safeguard existing trees by ensuring TPO protection where possible. 2004
Increase knowledge of the species’ distribution, management and
history in London
2002
Explore past and possible uses of black poplar wood 2003
Disseminate information on location, cultural history and management
to landowners and managers
2003
Set up a suitable record system for planted trees 2003
Plant new trees from local stock in existing and new locations 2010
Establish a longer term planting scheme to ensure a balanced age
structure
2010
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 40
  Actions being implemented through ongoing work programmes with
financial contributions anticipated from existing partners
A
ction Start
date
Major in kind
contributions
inc. staff time
Funds
agreed
Survey London black poplars and establish
their sex. Phase one: boroughs in NE
London
Ongoing LTOA, FC,
GLA LNHS,
LAs, LWT
£800 (FE)
Map results of this and future surveys in GIS 2003 LWT None yet
agreed
Increase numbers of black poplars by
establishing a nursery for London-sourced
black poplars
2003 LVRPA, LWT,
LA
None yet
agreed
  Actions requiring external funding
Action Projected
start date
External
funding
required
Survey London black poplars and establish their sex.
Phase two: NW, SW and SE London. 15 days
consultant
Ongoing £3,000
Increase numbers of black poplars in London through
laboratory research involving DNA sequencing of
chloroplasts, leading to attempts to increase the
number of clones. Also examine genotype of other
poplar species and hybrids. 14 days laboratory work at
NHM plus costs.
2003 £3,440
Establish a Clone Bank in Lea Valley Regional Park
(costs include site clearance, fencing, posts etc)
2004 £3,000
Establish a long term planting scheme including
cuttings from local stock and/or new clones through
community tree planting days (£250 per day x 8).
2008 £2,000
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 41
Mistletoe
Mistletoe is well known for its festive
use. It occurs naturally as a parasite of
deciduous trees; for example, cultivated
apples, hybrid limes, hawthorn and
willows. Its status in London is fairly wellknown,
thanks to a survey by Plantlife
and the Botanical Society of the British
Isles in the 1990s. It occurs in 20 of the
London boroughs, though for many there
are only a few records. The most central
are a single plant each in Lambeth and
Westminster. The main strongholds
seem to be around Bushy Park and
Hampton Court in the south-west and
Myddelton House and Forty Hall in Enfield.
This Action Plan aims to increase the mistletoe population in London, through a
careful programme of berry harvesting and introduction that reflects the current
distribution. Work has begun at Enfield Lock and Chelsea Physic Garden. Future
possible high profile locations include the Wetland Centre, Osterley Park and
Buckingham Palace Gardens. The promotion of mistletoe to landowners, and the
involvement of the public is seen as a key activity. We are also investigating the
status of mistletoe-dependant insects in London.
  Actions being implemented through existing work programmes
Action Expected
start
Determine past and present distribution in London; collate existing
data, validate as needed and input into local databases.
Ongoing
Review knowledge of mistletoe in other UK and European cities Ongoing
Select sites for introducing mistletoe; establish at ‘first round’ of sites. 2001/3
Establish status of mistletoe related insect species in London. 2003/4
Publicise mistletoe to highlight wider biodiversity issues in London. Ongoing
  Actions requiring external funding
Action Projected
start date
Ext. funding
required
Establish monitoring system in London:
  detailed monitoring (by dedicated volunteers),
  and/or wider monitoring by the general public.
The latter will require leaflets & web-site publicity.
2003/4;
2004/5
public survey
£3,000
approx.
Produce and distribute leaflet with information
about mistletoe conservation for landowners.
2003/4 £3,000
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 42
Stag Beetle
The stag beetle is the country’s largest
ground-living beetle and a priority
species in the UK Biodiversity Action
Plan. Its common name comes from the
male’s distinctive large antler-shaped
jaws. Dead and rotting wood is important
for its life cycle. Eggs are laid next to
rotting logs, tree stumps or timber and
the larvae spend up to seven years in
the wood, slowly growing in size.
The London region is nationally important for the UK stag beetle population. The
species is rarely found in the city centre due to a lack of suitable habitat. ‘Hotspots’
are in the west, south and east. Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common and Epping
Forest are designated candidate Special Areas for Conservation (European
significant wildlife sites), with stag beetles as a recognised feature of the designation.
Previous public surveys in 1997-2000, carried out by the London Wildlife Trust with
a range of partners, led to a substantial database and an indication of the species’
distribution in London. The survey received good media coverage, and hopefully
stimulated public awareness and increased understanding of the species. A repeat
public survey, particularly targeting areas with gaps in the data, would improve the
database for conservation as well providing a publicity opportunity. An advice note
produced by London Wildlife Trust, in consultation with the People’s Trust for
Endangered Species, and part funded by English Nature, has been distributed to
relevant London borough councils (e.g. planning, arboriculture, and parks officers).
An updated note including information on artificial nestboxes and monitoring is now
required that targets other land managers and landscape designers.
  Actions requiring funding
Action Projected
start date
Ext. funding
required
Undertake public-led survey targeted at gaps in the
current distribution database. (Project officer for 4
months; promotion, data entry and reporting).
2005 £7,000
Information pack for arboriculturalists & landscape
designers on conservation of stag beetles and
installation and monitoring of nestboxes & loggeries
2003 £4,500
Establish monitoring baseline of successful
nestboxes and loggeries (researcher’s time)
Continued monitoring of selected nestboxes and
loggeries to increase understanding of beetle’s
ecology and lifecycle (researcher’s time)
Ongoing £1,000
£5,000
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 43
Abbreviations used in this report
BAG Biodiversity Action Group for the tidal Thames
BHET Bridge House Estates Trust
BM British Museum
BSBI Botanical Society of the British Isles
BW British Waterways
CG Common Ground
CWML Canary Wharf Management Limited
EA Environment Agency
EAF Environmental Action Fund
LA Local Authorities
LWT London WildlifeTrust
LVRPA Lee Valley Regional Park Authority
LNHS London Natural History Society
LTOA London Tree Officers Association
NHM Natural History Museum
PAN Pesticides Action Network
PLA Port of London Authority
RBGK Royal Botanical Gardens Kew
RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
TEP Thames Estuary Partnership
TFL Trees for London
ZSL Zoological Society of London
Photo credits
Cover R Thames, Vauxhall City Farm, Swan, I Yarham; Water vole, Peregrine, A Fisher
Page ii Children at West Reservoir Centre, Hackney, S Bain
1 Pond at Vauxhall City Farm, I Yarham
2 Cross-leaved heath, M Waite; Black redstart, C Churchill
4 St John’s Wood Church Grounds, J Hewlett; Chalk grassland, M Waite;
Water Vole, A Fisher; House sparrow, M Senior
6 Children at Keyworth School, S Bain
7 Grey Heron Day at Battersea Park, V Selby
12 Russell Square, M Waite
14 Cemetery, M Frith
16 Garden flowers, S Bain
18 Monken Hadley Woods, J Hewlett
20 Mouse-eared hawkweed, N Reeve
22 Cross-leaved heath, M Waite
24 River Thames foreshore, I Yarham
26 Grand Union Canal, British Waterways
28 Wasteland, P Harvey
30 Heron by canal, British Waterways
31 Peregrine, A Fisher
32 Adder, LWT
33 Water vole, A Fisher
34 Pipistrelle bat, H Clark, Bat Conservation Trust
36 Sand martin, N Holmes
37 House sparrow, M Senior
38 Black redstart, C Churchill
39 Tower mustard, R Bullock
40 Black poplar catkins, J Farrell
42 Mistletoe, T Drakeford
43 Stag beetle, T Drakeford
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 44
Appendix
London Biodiversity Partnership
Memorandum of Understanding
Relating to the establishment and functioning of the London Biodiversity
Partnership – and the development and implementation of the London Biodiversity
Action Plan
Signiatories
The Mayor of London London Wildlife Trust
Association of London Government London Wildcare
BTCV Natural History Museum
British Waterways Peabody Trust
CIP Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Countryside Agency Royal Parks
English Nature Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Environment Agency Thames Estuary Partnership
Forestry Commission Thames Water Utilities Ltd
Lee Valley Park Authority University College London
London Boroughs and the City West London Alliance, and
London First The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
London Natural History Society Zoological Society of London
London Underground Ltd
The Partnership was established to co-ordinate the conservation of the capital’s wildlife and natural
places for future generations to benefit from and enjoy. However, despite considerable success to
date, the London Biodiversity Partnership needs to operate more effectively if the full potential of
biodiversity action planning is to be realised.
This Memorandum aims to make the delivery of biodiversity conservation in London more effective.
It acknowledges the importance to the quality of life of Londoners, of working together through the
London Biodiversity Partnership towards the implementation of the London Biodiversity Action Plan.
It also recognises the importance of a network of Borough and Corporate Biodiversity Action Plans
for the local delivery of biodiversity action.
The London Biodiversity Partnership was established in 1996 with the launch of the introductory
document Capital Assets. The employment of a Project Officer from 1999 enabled significant
progress to be made. Volume 1 of the London Biodiversity Action Plan, ‘The London Biodiversity
Audit’, was published with the prospectus ‘Our Green Capital’ in 2000 – and Volume 2, ‘The Action’
was published in 2001. The Partnership is funded via a grant from the Bridge House Estates Trust
Fund until January 2002.
Through the London Biodiversity Action Plan process, the parties will work together to deliver
targeted action for London’s priority habitats, species and key generic issues. The parties will work
towards the Aim and Terms of Reference of the Partnership as laid out in the Annex. For work
related to the Action Plan, the parties will promote the Partnership in addition to their own
achievements for biodiversity.
The Partnership recognises that the employment of dedicated staff is essential to making the
Partnership work more effectively, and to build and develop the Partnership by attracting a more
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 45
representative cross-section of members. The Partnership will endeavour to have independent
dedicated staff and to broaden its representation.
There will be a budget of £35,000 in 2001-2002 and the Partnership will endeavour to at least
maintain the value of the budget in subsequent years.
The Project Board and dedicated Partnership staff will be the main co-ordinating forces of the
Partnership, though decisions will be focused at the working group level. Representation from the
London boroughs will be provided at all levels through the London Borough Biodiversity Forum and
the Association of London Government. There will be biannual open meetings for the wider
Partnership and places will be available to observers at every Partnership meeting, by agreement of
the chair. The Partnership will maintain a chair to act as a figurehead, spokesperson and lead. The
Structure and function of the Partnership is described in the Annex.
This agreement may be varied by agreement between the parties.
Annex
Structure and function of the London Biodiversity Partnership
The Partnership will meet as a whole at least twice annually, convened by the Chair. Decisions are
made by the various Working Groups, co-ordinated by a Project Board chaired by a representative
of The Mayor of London. The Board contains representatives from the London Boroughs via the
London Borough Biodiversity Forum, The Association of London Government, BTCV, British
Waterways Ltd, English Nature, London Underground Ltd, London Wildlife Trust, Royal Parks, Royal
Society for the Protection of Birds, Thames Water Utilities Ltd, and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.
The London Biodiversity Project Officer co-ordinates events involving the whole Partnership.
Individual Working Group chairs and the Project Board chair are responsible for arranging and coordinating
their respective meetings and reporting on the outcomes.
Aim and Terms of Reference
The UK was one of 150 countries that signed the Convention on Biological Diversity at the ‘Earth
Summit’ in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan, produced in 1994 in response
to the Rio commitment, highlighted the importance of local action and set up the UK Biodiversity
Steering Group. The UK Steering Group’s report was published in 1995 and contained a number of
targets and proposals for the conservation of biodiversity in the UK. It identified Local Biodiversity
Action Plans as the best way forward for the conservation of biodiversity at all levels and the
implementation of national targets.
Biodiversity Action Plans are a tool for setting targeted objectives and action for biodiversity. These
actions are set and implemented through a consensus-led approach that aims to involve a crosssection
of organisations and individuals that affect, or are affected by, nature conservation.
The central business of the Partnership is to work together for the benefit of priority habitats and
species in London, whilst broadening the involvement of organisations and individuals in
conservation.
Aim
The aim of the Partnership together is to conserve and enhance the capital’s wildlife and natural
places for future generations to benefit from and enjoy.
Terms of Reference
1. To establish an effective, participatory and representative partnership to produce and
implement the London Biodiversity Action Plan. The Partnership will promote any action
necessary to achieve this, including the securing of funds and the employment of staff.
2. To encourage and support borough and corporate Biodiversity Action Plans by providing
guidance, advice and a strategic framework.
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 46
3. To maintain an audit of London’s priority species and habitats, to inform priority setting at
London-wide and local levels.
4. To ensure that a London Biodiversity Action Plan is published and implemented, covering all
priority habitats and species and incorporating a mechanism for monitoring and review. The
Action Plan will identify and guide action needed for London’s priority habitats, species and
generic issues, as well as those identified in the UK Action Plan.
5. To promote public awareness and interest in London’s biodiversity through the Action Plan, in
order to increase the involvement people’s involvement in conservation.
6. To act as a forum for the sharing of expertise and information connected to biodiversity action
planning.
Signatures
The parties accord with this Memorandum and agree with the London Biodiversity Partnership’s
Structure, Function, Aim and Terms of Reference as laid out in the Annex.
Signed by the Parties to this Agreement:
Name ………………………………………………………………………………………...
Position ………………………………………………………………………………………...
Organisation ………………………………………………………………………………………...
Signature ……………………………………………….. Date ………………………...
Name Dr David Goode
Position Chair of the London Biodiversity Partnership
Date 14 December 2001
Working Together for Wildlife
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan 47
A Funding Strategy for London Biodiversity Action Plan 48
Target date
Enhancing green space in
areas of need
Improving accessibility to
London's greenspace
Outreach, events and
interpretation
Survey involving the
public
Contributes to urban
regeneration
Sustainable development
Contributes to UK BAP
priority
Improving habitat
management
Habitat creation
Management advice or
training
Survey - professional
Other research
Site protection and
planning
Site acquisition
Other
Parks Amenity Grassland and City Squares
Organise conference on enhancing biodiversity value of parks 2004 ü £7,000
Audit of recent biodiversity projects & problems, to inform future action 2003/4 ü ü ü ü ü ü £10,000
If appropriate following this, establish funded programme of biodiversity enhancements ? ü ü ü ü ü to be determined
Commission 'Welcome Survey' in parks & greenspaces, following student project 2004 ü ü £25, 000
Wildlife survey of garden squares leading to best practise leaflet 2004 ü ü ü £18, 000
Exchange of best practice on contract specifications via email or web link 2003 ü £1,000
Develop habitat management handbook, with London case studies 2006 ü ü ü £15, 000
Churchyards and Cemeteries
Develop web-based database on burial ground information 2003 ü ü to be determined
Organise popular survey of burial grounds 2005 ü £12,000
Organise series of workshops for site managers 2005 ü £1,000
Appoint part-time project officer for sacred sites 2005 ü ü ü ü ü ü ü £20,000
Promotional leaflet: management for ferns and lichens 2003 ü £3,000
Promotional leaflet on accessible sites 2005 ü ü £3,000
Review and update schools literature 2003 ü £5,000
Organise London-wide Action day 2006 ü ? £2,000
Gardens
Leaflet to promote accessible demonstration wildlife gardens 2004 ü ü £3,000
Run informal wildlife gardens action day, with events at up to six sites 2004/5 ü £3,000 /yr
Organise popular London frog day 2004/5 ü £3,000
Interpretation at key wildlife gardens 2004 ü £1,500/garden
Provide up to six one day gardening for wildlife courses at range of venues 2004-6 ü ü £2,000
Woodland
Improve London's woodlands through advice on management and accessibility 2004 ü ü ü ü £70,000
Establish woodland planting programme in areas of woodland deficiency ongoing ü ü ? £380,000
Promote woodland products; set up one new timber station in London 2005 ü ü ü ü £70,000
Acid grassland
Carry out targetted invertebrate survey of selected sites 2004 ü ü £5,250
Produce low-key interim guidance note on management for invertebrates 2003 ü ü ü £2,000
Following trial of the above, revise as high quality management guidance booklet 2005 ü ü ü £5,000
Heathland
Produce best practise heathland management guidelines for site managers 2003 ü ü ü £6,000
Implement heathland restoration strategy - targetted habitat restoration programme 2004-> ü ü ü ü £1,320-20,000/ha
Produce promotional leaflet to raise awareness of the value of heathland 2004 ü ü £3,000
Tidal Thames
Construct the Thames Observatory, a web-based information system for the public 2003 ü ü ü ü £1,750 p.a.
Install habitat and species audit and species information ontoThamesWEB site 2003 ü ü ü ü ü ü £1,000
Feasibility study, options for wider Tidal Thames geo. info. system on Thames WEB site 2004/5 ü ü ü ü ü £5,000
Student bursaries for research studies 2004 ü ü ü £500 per student
Canals
Complete habitat improvements in accordance with BW Biodiversity Action Plan 2004-6 ü ü additional £15,000
Complete series of wider environmental studies of canals 2003/4 ü ü ü additional £10,000
Support educational activities at waterways festivals and National Science Week 2003-> ü additional £6,000
Produce directory of canal-related organisations in London 2004 ü £2,000
Collate existing information on habitats, species and management history 2003-> ü ü £2,000
Identify and implement survey programme where information is inadequate 2003-> ü £10,000 p.a. /3 yrs
Audit problem species; develop strategic approach to management 2003-> ü ü ü ü ü £10,000
Produce guidance note on Japanese knotweed 2003 ü ü ü £1,000
Arrange a conference on biodiversity in canals 2004 ü ü £5,000
Develop educational materials for floating classrooom 'Beauchamp' 2003 ü £1,000
Create 'reef' areas on apropriate stretches of canal e.g. for pond dipping 2003-4 ü ü ü ü ü ü £5,000 p.a.
Establish 'adopt a canal' scheme and 'Friends of' groups 2003-5 ü £2,000/group
Wasteland
Produce advice on management of temporarily vacant land for wasteland wildlife 2003/4 ü ü ü ü £3,500
Produce good practice guide on evaluating wildlife of urban brownfields 2003/4 ü ü ü ü ü £4,000
Identify and promote key wasteland sites for species of conservation importance 2003 ü ü ü ü £6,000
EXTERNAL
FUNDING
REQUIRED
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: HABITAT ACTION PLANS TYPE OF PROJECT
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan p.49
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: SPECIES ACTION PLANS
Target date
Public outreach and
interpretation
Survey involving the
public
Contributes to urban
regeneration
Contributes to sustainable
development
Contributes to UK BAP
priority
Habitat management
Habitat creation
Management advice or
training
Professional or specialist
survey
Research and data
collation
Site protection and
planning
Other
Grey Heron
Hold annual Heron Day where public can view young in nest 2004 ü £2,000 p a
Produce habitat management booklet for heronries 2004 ü £2,000
Research viability of artificial nest platforms, if appropriate construct platforms 2004 ü £500 each
Identify and assess importance of day roosts 2003 ü £1,000
Peregrine
Install nestboxes on appropriate buildings ü ü £1,000 each
Establish a web-cam to view nest box(es) on buildings ü £2,000
Establish public viewing point of nest site with interpretation ü £1-3,000
Reptiles
Collate records of key sites for adders; survey known and likely adder sites. 2003-> ü ü £10,000
Publish updated leaflet on reptiles for the public 2003 ü £3,000
Produce a herpetofauna atlas for London 2004/5 ü ü ü ü £10,000
Water Vole
Create interpretative signs or leaflets for sites where water voles occur 2003-> ü ü £500 each
Create an education pack for schools with water vole activities 2003-> ü £1,000
Undertake systematic survey of selected rivers in London 2003-> ü ü ü £2,000 per river
Undertake riverbank improvements for water voles at range of London sites 2004-> ü ü ü £2-10,000/site
Bats
Provide 5 additional 'bat box' detectors for survey work 2003 ü £1,000
Create new roost opportunities on up to 40 sites 2003-> ü ü £45,000
Set up training programme for bat box inspection 2003 ü ü ü £350/session
Research effects of artificial lighting on bats 2005 ü ü ü £30,000
Produce and distribute bat advice note for planners 2003 ü ü £2,000
Sand Martin
Create and monitor three artificial nest sites a year for five years 2003-> ü ü £1,000-20,000/site
House Sparrow
Contribute towards costs of London-based research project on house sparrows 2004 ü ü ü £15,000
Black Redstart
Appoint part-time black redstart project officer to coordinate this action plan asap ü ü ü ü ü £15,000 p.a.
Produce examples of green roofs designed for black redstarts on existing buildings asap ü ü ü £60,000/site approx.
Survey rooftop use by nesting birds in City and Isle of Dogs 2004 ü additional £1,000
Extend field survey in London (50 days fieldwork) 2003/4 ü £10,000
Tower Mustard
Continue management of Tower Mustard population at Stain Hill ongoing ü ü £1,000 p.a. (5 years)
Monitor and communicate data to BSBI Threatened Plants database ongoing ü ü £1,000 p.a. (5 years)
Store seed from Stain Hill at Millenium Seed Bank, Wakehurst Place ongoing ü ü £300 p.a. (5 years)
Investigate feasibility of establishing a population at Kew Gardens ongoing ü ü £7,500 /over 5yr
Establish public demonstration plot at the Wetland Centre Barnes ongoing ü ü ü £7,500 /over 5yr
Establish plot at Crossness or Kempton ongoing ü ü ü £7,500 /over 5yr
Native Black Poplar
Phase 2 survey of black poplars in London, including sex of trees; map in gis ongoing ü ü £3,000
Research to increase the number of clones in London using DNA sequencing 2003 ü ü ü £3,440
Establish a clone bank (nursery) from London stock 2004 ü ü ü £3,000
Establish planting scheme from local stock, with community tree planting days 2008 ü ü ü ü ü £2,000
Mistletoe
Establish monitoring system for London with help of volunteers &/or the public 2003/4 ü ü ü £3,000
Produce leaflet with management advice on mistletoe for land owners 2003/4 ü ü £3,000
Stag Beetle
Undertake public survey targetting gaps in earliers surveys to confirm distribution 2005 ü ü ü £7,000
Produce & distribute information on stag beetle conservation, including loggeries 2003 ü ü ü ü £4,500
Pilot loggery monitoring scheme ongoing ü ü £1,000
Continue monitoring of selected loggeries to improve understanding of life history ongoing ü ü ü £5,000
when
possible
EXTERNAL
FUNDING
REQUIRED
TYPE OF PROJECT
A Funding Strategy for the London Biodiversity Action Plan p.50
MoL/0703/MR D&P/GLA418